Zap2it: In playing clawing-her-way-back-to-the-top actress Raquel in
"The L.A. Complex," you're showing an edgy but funny side that hasn't been seen in your previous series roles. Are you enjoying playing that?

Jewel Staite: When I was reading the script, I was a little worried that she wouldn't be likable, and I had to figure out a way to find the humor in her desperation. That was definitely the biggest challenge. She's hilarious, but I love that she does what she wants to do, regardless of the outcome.

Zap2it:You had fame among sci-fi fans before starting "The L.A. Complex." Have you found people's reactions to you changing by virtue of your role in your new show?

Jewel Staite:I'm starting to get recognized for Raquel more than anything else, and I'm used to people recognizing me for
"Firefly" or
"Stargate Atlantis." Especially with "Firefly," people come up and kind of want to hug me all the time, just strangers. I'm like, "Wow ... OK," but with Raquel, it's totally different. They'll kind of look at me with fear in their eyes, and I sort of like that.

Zap2it: Does the American network pickup of the Canadian-made "The L.A. Complex" signal anything to you about the show's possible longevity?

Jewel Staite: This is probably my eighth time as a lead in a series, and we just found out we got picked up (for a second season, at least in Canada), which is really exciting. I've definitely been there when we haven't.